Effects of extra sulfur fertilization on soil pH and grain mineral concentration in wheat

Abstract

Increases in crop yield and decreases in industrial sulfur emissions reduce the amount of sulfur (S) in the soil. Sufficient S and proper pH play an important role in achieving the targeted yield and quality of wheat. In recent years, composite fertilizers containing sulfur and mineral substances have been produced and used in wheat production as fertilizers. In this study, an investigation was made as to whether the use of such fertilizer is sufficient for sulfur fertilization. Basal fertilizer (13.25.5 + 10 (SO3) + Zn (0.5)) (250 kg ha-1) was applied to the whole plot, and additional elemental sulfur was added. The amounts of sulfur in the plots at the end of the applications were 10, 300, 600 and 900 kg ha-1 S. One year later, the high dose (600 and 900 kg ha-1) S resulted in a decrease in pH of about 0.5 pH units, while two years later, all S doses resulted in a 1 pH unit decrease. However, the changes in the second year were not induced by the S treatments. Accordingly, no significant effect of S doses on grain protein, mineral content or yield was determined. Wheat variety and year had a significant effect on grain nutrient content. The lowest sulfur dose (10 kg ha-1 S) used in the experiment can be said to be sufficient for yield and mineral concentration.